bUZZ Ladies connects women in San Diego

From social networking to professional networking, we’re inundated with ways to connect with each other. But it’s apparent that many still feel isolated, especially as technology rules our lives. An innovative new solution in San Diego is causing quite a buzz, as local Audra Leigh has found a fresh way for ladies to get together and socialize face to face.

The bUZZ Ladies, launched in October, is a new kind of social club-meets-networking group that invites women of all ages, backgrounds, and professions to network at events spent dining and reviewing local restaurants. Good food and girls-nights-out is just what the doctor ordered, and just what women need to get out of their comfort zones. Audra envisioned this distinct idea after her life as a stay-at-home mom restricted her to interaction solely on Facebook and Twitter. Now she’s giving women a reason to get together and meet— and at what better place than our San Diego restaurants, from swanky hot, to brand new, to family-owned local eateries. Events take place through every weekend of each month, and women are encouraged to stay connected with other bUZZ Ladies in between with restaurant, product, and trend reviews.

This take on real social networking celebrates women and simultaneously celebrates our city. Single, married, worker bees and homemakers are all welcome to make our diverse San Diego feel much more connected. Upcoming bUZZ nights include Jasmine Chinese Seafood in La Jolla, Bistro 39 in Del Mar, and House on the Hill in Poway. Learn more about Audra, her vision, the women she helps, and the ways she is shaping our community.

DiscoverSD: Hi Audra! First off, can you tell us about what bUZZ Ladies is?

Audra: The bUZZ Ladies puts the social back in social networking. Everyone today is so glued to their computers and mobile devices that we’re spending less and less actual face-time with each other. We’ve found that giving everyone a reason to go out, like to review a restaurant, keeps the experience fun and open while offering an instant source of conversation. I know so many women who wish they had more female friends. This is a great way to meet new people in a fun, relaxed environment, form lasting friendships and really just support each other, as women.

DSD: How did you get come up with this concept? What inspired you?

AL: A few years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom that had become a “stuck-at-home” mom. Somewhere between the soccer games, carpools, diapers and a divorce I started to lose my sense of self. I was missing the connection and support that comes from face-to-face “girl time.” One night, I gathered five of my closest friends to go out to dinner and review a local restaurant. It was such a blast and the support and camaraderie was something I realized I had been desperately missing. We all agreed we needed to make this a regular event, so the next month, we did it again and this time invited more of our friends. From there it just grew and grew. The restaurant reviews really were the key in making sure the group continued – it gave us a reason to get together. We’re really excited to expand to greater San Diego, we now have bUZZ Nights from Oceanside to La Mesa and everywhere in between. It’s just a great way to get in some quality girl-time and to get that support we all need from each other as women – both personally and professionally.